SMU pro day observations

UNIVERSITY PARK, Texas -- There were numerous NFL scouts and one head coach, Rex Ryan of the New York Jets, at SMU's pro day. Here's our observations from Wednesday's events:

*One of the biggest surprises of the day was Cincinnati Bengals defensive line coach Jay Hayes and Ryan working out defensive end Margus Hunt at outside linebacker. The coaches had Hunt drop back in deep coverage to intercept passes. Hunt said he didn't drop back much last season at SMU, but thought he performed well in the drill. Hunt didn't run the 40 or bench press but measured at 6-8 and 283 pounds and has a 82 1/2 inch wingspan. He did other position drills, such as pass rush and the cones, and looked quick and showed a good burst. Hunt said he'll attend the Cowboys' Dallas Day coming up next month. Hunt added he's got some workouts planned with some NFL teams.

*Toward the end of the workout, most if not all of the NFL scouts in attendance marveled at a kicker. Two Cowboys' scouts, led by Henry Sroka, took charge of the kicking workout of Jose Carlos Maltos. He measured at 5-9, 201 pounds. Maltos made kicks of 35, 40 and 45 yards against the wind at Ford Stadium. He also made a 56 yarder, with Sroka as the holder, with the wind. He made a hurry up 35 yard field goal attempt into the wind. He also did a good job on kickoffs. He send one kick 10-yards deep, against the wind, into the end zone and two others of five and two yards deep. Maltos has an interesting story. A few years ago, Maltos tried to enroll at SMU but coach June Jones told him to attend junior college then comeback for admission. It seems now, Maltos is going to play professionally.

*Quarterback Kyle Padron is someone who could be a camp quarterback for the Cowboys. Padron, 6-3, 220 pounds, was invited to Dallas Day. Padron has a good arm and can grasp an offense pretty quick. Padron throws a sharp ball but needs to prove to NFL teams he's got the arm strength to make deep throws.

*Defensive lineman Aaron Davis impressed the scouts with his bench press. He lifted 225 pounds 34 times. Davis is 6-2 3/8 and 291 pounds. His arm length is 32 inches and his wingspan is 76 7/8. Davis displayed some speed as well. He ran a 4.75 and a 4.76 in the 40. In the pass rush drills, Davis was smooth and didn't seem to have any problems.

Calvin Watkins covers the Houston Rockets and the NBA for ESPN.com. He joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. He's covered the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers as well as colleges, boxing and high school sports.

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